A former judge in North Carolina whose church is assisting in relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Helen said there was a sense among residents that “God is still in control of this situation and that God is still in control of this situation.” I have a strong faith that it will get me through this,” he told FOX News Digital.
Judge Phil Ginn, a Boone resident, said Perkinsville Church in the western North Carolina town is one of several churches in the area stepping up efforts in the wake of the devastating storm. Ta.which has so far killed more than 230 people and caused billions of dollars in property damage.
“We house people in our churches. We literally gave up all our Sunday school space to house people who come to work,” said Southern Evangelical Seminary President Ginn. “So our church decided it would be appropriate to not only help our neighbors, but also help feed the people who come here to help their neighbors. installed a shower trailer and a washer and dryer to keep clothes clean. ”
Jin described the storm as a “generational event” and said recovery efforts would be a “marathon that will last for years.” But, he added, “It’s amazing how God came to us in the midst of the storm.”
Samaritan’s Purse continues Helen relief efforts with three water treatment systems in North Carolina
Crews survey a large section of Highway 105 that was washed away in Helen, North Carolina, outside Boone, on September 27. Boone resident Judge Phil Ginn (inset) called the storm a “generational event.” (Reuters/Jonathan Drake | FOX News Digital)
“There’s a strong faith among the people I’m talking to that God is still in control of this situation and that He will get us through this. So we rely on that faith. We should,” Ginn told FOX News Digital. “And now it’s stronger than ever. The bond between us as human beings and as brothers and sisters has really deepened.”
Jin said there appears to be more support from local residents than from the federal government.
President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump have each visited the disaster area multiple times, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency has pledged $110 million in federal aid to Helen victims, the White House said. It was announced on Saturday.
Relief efforts outside Southfork Baptist Church in Todd, North Carolina after the Helen incident. (Courtesy of JC Garcia)
Jin said people come together to help each other regardless of their situation or background.
“No one’s asking what your politics are. No one’s asking what your faith is. No one’s asking if you just got out of jail. There’s nothing like that. ” he said. “If you need help, you can just get it from the locals.”
Georgia man talks about survival experience in North Carolina after Hurricane Helen: ‘My faith in God grew’
Scott Richardson inspects his home, which was destroyed by Helen, in Boone, North Carolina, on September 28. (Reuters/Jonathan Drake)
Zinn Seminary, in partnership with Samaritan’s Purse and the North Carolina Baptist Men’s Association, established the SES Charitable Fund for Hurricane Helen Relief to provide food, water, and supplies to people in need in four Southeast regions. We are helping provide hygiene products, first aid kits, and other essentials. state.
“The big problem we have now is that virtually all the damage is caused by water and mud, none of which is covered by insurance, and inflation and all the other There are families who were barely getting by, and now they’ve lost everything,” Ginn told FOX News Digital.
“They’ve lost all their belongings. They can’t live in their homes. They’ve lost their property… so it’s going to be a mental health issue, it’s going to be an economic issue.”
“It will never be the same again,” Ginn added. “Not only are the buildings and towns gone, but the land on which they were built is also gone. The flow of the river has also changed.
Perkinsville Church in Boone, North Carolina, is assisting relief workers after Helen passed through the area. (Courtesy of JC Garcia)
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“We will lift each other up. Thanks to our strong beliefs and trust in each other, we will overcome this situation.”
Greg Norman is a reporter for Fox News Digital.
